Aricept contains the active ingredient donepezil hydrochloride, which is a reversible inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. It is available in the form of film-coated tablets for oral administration at strengths of 5 mg and 10 mg. Key inactive ingredients include lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, maize starch, and microcrystalline cellulose.

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take this medication with or without food. Take this medication at regular intervals. This medication is usually taken before bedtime. Do not take it more often than directed. Continue to take your medication even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice. If you are taking the 23 mg donepezil tablet, swallow it whole; do not cut, crush, or chew it. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose, do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat -Peptic ulcer—burning stomach pain, loss of appetite, bloating, burping, heartburn, nausea, vomiting -Seizures -Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue -Stomach bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds -Trouble passing urine Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Diarrhea -Fatigue -Loss of appetite -Muscle pain or cramps -Nausea -Trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Head injury -Heart disease -Irregular heartbeat or rhythm -Liver disease -Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma -Seizures -Stomach ulcers, other stomach or intestine problems -Stomach bleeding -Trouble passing urine -An unusual or allergic reaction to donepezil, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following: -Certain medications for fungal infections, such as itraconazole, fluconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole -Cisapride -Dextromethorphan; quinidine -Dronedarone -Pimozide -Quinidine -Thioridazine This medication may also interact with the following: -Antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold -Atropine -Bethanechol -Carbamazepine -Certain medications for bladder problems, such as oxybutynin or tolterodine -Certain medications for Parkinson disease, such as benztropine or trihexyphenidyl -Certain medications for stomach problems, such as dicyclomine or hyoscyamine -Certain medications for travel sickness, such as scopolamine -Dexamethasone -Dofetilide -Ipratropium -NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen -Other medications for Alzheimer disease -Other medications that cause heart rhythm changes -Phenobarbital -Phenytoin -Rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine -Ziprasidone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.